The club honors players for their effort, both on and off the field, that made this season special

Since 2006, the Ocean City Nor'easters have turned to the players and coaches themselves to determine the team award winners. The first year, it was just voting for the most valuable player but the awards have expanded over the years to honor a number of players that were the heart and soul of the summer season.

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Nathan Regis

The Nor'easters' 2016 Most Valuable Player award was hardly an easy decision. Several different players put on stellar performances throughout the season, leading the team to PDL National Semifinals.

This season's award goes to Nathan Regis. The Pfeiffer University forward started 12 games during the regular season, scoring six goals and adding nine assists. This was an impressive tally especially considering he missed the first two games of the season while training with Sporting Kansas City of Major League Soccer. During the postseason run, Regis started all four games and scored three goals, including the game-winner in the conference semifinals against his old club, the Charlotte Eagles. Regis was awarded for his great season by being named to the PDL All-Eastern Conference Team.

OFFENSIVE MVP: Chevaughn "Chevy" Walsh

Chevaughn "Chevy" Walsh broke or tied all of the single-season club records for goals and points, became the first player in Ocean City history to lead the league in scoring and won the PDL MVP award. Needless to say, he was the easy choice for the team's offensive MVP. Walsh had one of the best seasons in club history with 14 goals and three assists in 14 regular season games. His two goals and two assists in the postseason helped the Nor'easters defeat three division champions to win the 2016 Eastern Conference championship. His 16 goals and five assists in all competitions was the most in club history. Walsh also finished the season ranked No. 2 on the PDL's Top Prospects List. Chevy was named to the All-PDL Team and All-Eastern Conference Team in addition to his MVP award. His unforgettable 2016 campaign earned him his first professional contract with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in the United Soccer League.

Honorable Mention: Nathan Regis, Miguel Jaime

DEFENSIVE MVP: Andre Morrison

On the defensive side of the ball, Andre Morrison was the standout performer, earning him the 2016 Defensive MVP Award. Morrison had played with the club last season, but did not return until the seventh game of the season. Adding him back into the squad was a defining moment in the season. Morrison plugged any holes that were left in what was already a solid back line. His partnership with Daniel Nimmo was difficult to break through for opposing forwards. His strength really improved the defensive outlook for the club this season. Morrison played a big role in the club's playoff run.

Honorable Mention: Fraser Colmer, Daniel Nimmo

CREATIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Miguel Jaime

To be successful, every team requires a player who is creative. Many teams have players who can tally up goals and assists but not all teams have a player who constantly works hard to create an attractive brand of soccer for the team without necessarily being rewarded with a place on the scoresheet. For the Nor'easters, Miguel Jaime was the 2016 Creative Player of the Year. In 17 games, Jaime scored eight goals and added two assists. But, his game is much more than that. He was the player who always found the perfect pass, made the run, and helped the team unselfishly. Miguel brought a different dynamic to the team whether he was playing in the "number 10" role or out on the wing. He was the perfect combination of speed, finesse, and power, which showed throughout the course of the season. The likes of Walsh and Regis benefitted greatly from his creative outlook on the game.

Honorable Mention: Mutaya Mwape, Nathan Regis

YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Daniel Nimmo

In the PDL, each team usually has a mix of veterans and newcomers. There are players of many ages finding their way. Ocean City had several young players this year who were new to the league and played a big role in great success. The 2016 Young Player of the Year is Daniel Nimmo. The Scottish center back started every single game this season for the club, regular season and playoffs, and led the team in minutes played (1,184). No matter who he paired with at the back, he was dominant. He partnered with several players including Andre Morrison, Cristobal Allendes, and Tim Ogunniyi. As the club's vice captain, he was always a vocal leader on the pitch. It is not easy to find great leaders at a young age.

Honorable Mention: Mutaya Mwape, Raheem Somersaff

BREAKTHROUGH PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Ryan Howe

Over the course of the year, several players are scouted at each position for the Nor'easters. Every season, the team has a few talented players in all 11 positions who could help the first team. The key for the players who do not initially get the nod in the starting XI is to show the coaches how they can help the team by working hard in training. Early on in the season, Ryan Howe was backing up Fraser Colmer at the left back position. He continued to excel in training sessions and finally got playing time at left back, moving the captain, Colmer, to right back. Howe got his chance and never looked back making him this season's Breakthrough Player of the Year. Howe plays his college soccer at Loyola Chicago. After missing the entire 2015 season due to injury, he used the 2016 PDL campaign to test out his nearly-healed injury and get back into form ahead of this fall's college season. Despite not playing for nearly an entire calendar year, he still found a way to get back into the starting lineup. His fighting spirit helped him appear in 10 regular season games (seven starts) and he dished out seven assists. Three of those helpers came in one match (which tied a single-game club record) against the Jersey Express on July 10. A hat trick of assists is incredibly rare for an attacking player, let alone a left back. Howe has gained confidence back after his injury and will hope to bring his excellent form into the 2016 college season with the Ramblers.

Honorable Mention: Mike Kirk, Mutaya Mwape

2016 NOR'EASTER AWARD: Fraser Colmer

The 2016 season has been a fantastic journey for the Ocean City Nor'easters. Players of great talent have come through and made some great memories during the summer. One thing that every great team needs to accomplish all of that is a leader, on and off the pitch. Several teams have the talent, but lack discipline. Ocean City had an exceptionally gifted player, who was that leader. He symbolizes everything that the club stands for in terms of being a great player and person. His involvement with recreational camps and fundraising in Ocean City shows his gratitude for the game and community. For his efforts, the 2016 Nor'easter Award belongs to Fraser Colmer. The Radford University defender and Nor'easters team captain was the exceptional leader that the team needed this season. In the worst moments of the season, Colmer was there to keep the team fighting. Having missed a small portion of the season due to injury, it was easy to see what he meant to this team. Even if he was sitting in the stands, he was there shouting to his teammates to motivate them and keep them going. His work with the kids at the soccer camps showed what he meant to the town and his desire to help others in any way he could, made him stand out on this year's team.